is it legal for a tennant to live in a building zoned LAC1 in los angeles ?

if landlord told new tenants they could live there and built showers for them....is legal responsibility fall on landlord for illegally making tennants sign commercial lease though he is renting residential to them in building not zoned for that ?

Answer(s)

Mike...This is the cut and dry....LAC Zones C Zone FOR Residential Purposes /(A) Lot area is less than 5000sf ,OR ,The width is less than 50ft. (B) Lot area is at least 5000sf, AND, the lot width is at least 50ft.C Zone NOT FOR Residential Purposes (A) Lot size is any size, BUT, the lot width is less than 40ft. (B) Lot size is any size, AND, the lot width is at least 40ft. PERIOD Check the subject properties field card for lot dimensions. MHS

Yes, it is legal for tenants to live in a building where the zoning is now LAC1 (Commercial),so long as the structure was originally built for residential purposes under prior residential zoning; the building would be grandfathered (I own a building like this). If the building was never built for residential use and the owner is trying to change its use, then this would be illegal. Please contact me for assistance. Geoff, 310.704.6677